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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 Sterling Acterra Recalls & Complaints

The 2006 Sterling Acterra has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Sterling dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 Sterling Acterra. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2006 Sterling Acterra owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Sterling Acterra, describing incidents dated January 25, 2008.

Most-cited components

  • Vehicle Speed Control 2 complaints

Of the 2 complaints on file, 2 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10219196 · Filed

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 STERLING ACTERRA. WHILE BACKING THE VEHICLE INTO THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND IT ACCELERATED, BUT WOULD NOT STOP. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONTACT STRUCK TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WAS…

  • ODI #10216372 · Filed

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 STERLING ACTERRA. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND, WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT BECAME STUCK. HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK UP…

Read all 2 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 Sterling Acterra in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Insufficient Air Reservoir Volume/FMVSS 121

NHTSA #19V370000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Reservoir/Tank · NHTSA notice

Reported May 14, 2019 · Daimler Trucks North America LLC

Potentially affected: 741 vehicles

Repair completion: 38.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign FL-815 · Owners notified June 25, 2021 · Vehicles built April 14, 2004 – January 18, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2004-2019 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD, 122SD, Cascadia, Columbia, Classic, FL80, FLD 120SD, Business Class M2, Western Star 4700, 4900, 6900, Sterling Acterra, L7500, LT7500, L8500, LT8500, L9500, and LT9500 vehicles. The vehicles may have an insufficient service brake air reservoir capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Safety consequence

An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.

Manufacturer remedy

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will add air reservoir capacity to the affected vehicles. Owner letters were mailed on November 29, 2021. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-815.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

GRID HEATER/POSSIBLE FIRE

NHTSA #11V455000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported August 31, 2011 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 43 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 10C-5 · Owners notified September 12, 2011 · Vehicles built June 23, 2004 – March 15, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2012 FREIGHTLINER M2, STERLING ACTERRA, 7500 & 8500, AND THOMAS BUILT HDX VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 23, 2004, THROUGH MARCH 15, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC MBE900 EPA04 AND EPA07 MODEL ENGINES. THE INTAKE AIR GRID HEATER MAY SHORT CIRCUIT AND FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

Safety consequence

A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITIES. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V-341.

Notes

DAIMLER TRUCKS' RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 10C-5.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

FRACTURED FUEL LINES OR TRANSFER TUBES/FIRE

NHTSA #08V668000 · Fuel System, Other — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 2008 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 24,650 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-542 · Owners notified March 9, 2009 · Vehicles built March 9, 2004 – August 18, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA (DTNA) IS RECALLING 24,650 SCHOOL AND NON-SCHOOL BUSES, MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2004 THROUGH AUGUST 18, 2006, EQUIPPED WITH EPA04 CERTIFIED MBE900 ENGINES, MANUFACTURED BY DETROIT DIESEL BETWEEN MARCH 1, 2004, AND JULY 31, 2006. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES AND TRANSFER TUBES MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE.

Safety consequence

A FRACTURED FUEL LINE MAY LEAK DIESEL FUEL POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR FUEL MAY BE SPILLED ON THE ROAD CAUSING A SLIPPERY SURFACE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DETROIT DIESEL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED WITH MORE ROBUST LINES AND VIBRATION DAMPERS FREE OF CHARGE. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED DETROIT DIESEL DISTRIBUTORSHIPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DETROIT DIESEL 1-313-592-3708 OR DTNA TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-547-0712 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Notes

DTNA'S RECALL NO. FL-452.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

8K THIN SPINDLE-NUT/ARVINMERITOR/AXLE ALLIANCE

NHTSA #08V137000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported March 25, 2008 · DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

Potentially affected: 28,764 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-527 · Owners notified January 8, 2009 · Vehicles built January 26, 2000 – March 24, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

DAIMLER TRUCKS IS RECALLING 28,764 MY 2001 THROUGH 2008 FCCC B2 AND FS65 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, FCCC FB65 CONVENTIONAL BUSES, AND STERLING ACTERRA, FREIGHTLINER FLN, AND BUSINESS CLASS M2 HEAVY TRUCKS, BUILT FROM JANUARY 26, 2000, THROUGH MARCH 24, 2008, MANUFACTURED WITH ARVINMERITOR OR AXLE ALLIANCE COMPANY 6,000 THROUGH 8,000 POUND FRONT AXLES UTILIZING A FOUR PIECE SPINDLE-NUT SET. THESE AXLE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH A THIN SPINDLE NUT WHICH MAY LEAD TO INCORRECT END PLAY, CONE SPIN, EXCESSIVE HEAT, DEGRADATION OF LUBRICATION, WEAR OF THE SPINDLE NUT AND BEARING JOURNAL, OIL CONTAMINATION WITH METAL SHAVINGS, AND PREMATURE BEARING FAILURE.

Safety consequence

CONTINUED OPERATION MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DAIMLER TRUCKS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 8, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

DAIMLER TRUCKS RECALL NO. FL-527.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FIFTH WHEEL LEVER PIVOT BOLTS/HOLLAND SIMPLEX

NHTSA #07V530000 · Trailer Hitches — Fifth Wheel Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported November 13, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 38,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-514 · Owners notified January 3, 2008 · Vehicles built January 1, 2006 – May 31, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCK-TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH HOLLAND SIMPLEX SE OR SE II FIFTH WHEELS, THE LATCH LEVER PIVOT BOLT ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TIGHTENED WHICH COULD DISTORT THE PIVOT BOLT SPACER SLEEVE. CORROSION OR CONTAMINATES IN THE PIVOT MAY CAUSE IT TO BIND AND PREVENT THE FIFTH WHEEL JAW FROM LATCHING SECURELY AROUND THE TRAILER KING PIN.

Safety consequence

THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FIFTH WHEEL MAY FAIL TO LATCH WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE. WHEN THE OCCURS, THE DRIVER COULD DRIVE AWAY AND THE TRAILER COULD BECOME DISENGAGED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PIVOT BOLT AND SLEEVE WITH A HEX HEAD SHOULDER BOLT AND WASHER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-514.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SR-7 SPRING BRAKE VALVE ASSEMBLY/BENDIX/PARKER

NHTSA #07V302000 · Service Brakes, Air — Supply — Check Valve · NHTSA notice

Reported July 16, 2007 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 75,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-504 · Owners notified January 11, 2008 · Vehicles built July 1, 2002 – July 3, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS, HEAVY TRUCKS, AND THOMAS BUILT SCHOOL BUSES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JULY 2002 AND JULY 3, 2007, EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE CONTROL VALVES. THE PARKER SCV BRASS 90 DEGREE SINGLE CHECK VALVES (SCV) WHICH ATTACH TO THE SUPPLY PORT OF A BENDIX SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE CAN BREAK APART. PIECES OF THE PARKER SCV CAN BECOME LODGED INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING EITHER LEAKAGE OUT OF THE SR-7 VALVE OR PREVENTING AIR FROM PROPERLY EXHAUSTING FROM THE SR-7 VALVE. ALSO, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE INTERNAL RUBBER CHECK VALVE INSIDE THE SR-7 SPRING BRAKE MODULATING VALVES, THE VALVES CAN BECOME DEFORMED AND NOT SEAT PROPERLY.

Safety consequence

THESE CONDITIONS COULD EITHER RESULT IN LEAKAGE AND CAUSE A DELAY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE SPRING BRAKE WITHOUT WARNING OR POSSIBLY LEAD TO UNINTENDED VEHICLE ROLLAWAY OR BRAKE DRAG WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Manufacturer remedy

FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2008 TO FREIGHTLINER, STERLING, AND FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS OWNERS; TO THOMAS BUILT BUS OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-504.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

WIPER MOTOR GREASE

NHTSA #05V550000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported December 6, 2005 · FREIGHTLINER LLC

Potentially affected: 1,819 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign FL-466 · Owners notified February 13, 2006 · Vehicles built September 1, 2005 – October 14, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH VISTEON WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Safety consequence

AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TEETH TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL-466. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Other Sterling Acterra model years

Check your 2006 Sterling Acterra VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Sterling Acterra at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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